Introduction
If you’re looking for a peaceful and well-kept campground in the Outer Banks that’s close to everything but feels tucked away from the chaos, OBX Campground in Kill Devil Hills, NC might just be your perfect landing spot. We stayed here for a full week in mid-May 2025, after catching the ferry from Ocracoke, and used it as a hub to explore the central and northern Outer Banks. What we found was a simple, spacious, and scenic campground that offered quiet comfort and easy access to all the highlights of this iconic coastal region.
The Basics: Site Details and First Impressions
We stayed at Spot 26, a back-in site with full hookups (water, sewer, and electric). The site was level and surprisingly spacious, with good room on either side, which gave us a sense of privacy even though there weren’t trees or dividers between sites. It included a picnic table but no fire ring, though campfires are allowed if you bring your own.
OBX Campground was very easy to navigate, even with a larger rig. The roads were clearly marked, and check-in was smooth—even though we arrived after office hours. Our welcome packet was taped to the door with clear instructions, and we found our spot without a hitch.
Campground Amenities: Simple, Clean, and Functional
While OBX Campground doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of a resort-style park, it shines in the essentials:
- Laundry: The laundry machines, located behind the office, were some of the best we’ve seen. Clean, modern, and reliable—something full-timers and long-term travelers always appreciate.
- Playground: There’s a small playground for kids, although it’s oddly placed right next to an old graveyard. That said, the equipment was in excellent condition.
- Bathhouses: We didn’t use them, but they are accessible with a code, and the rest of the campground’s cleanliness suggests they’re well-maintained.
- Dump Station: We believe there’s a dump station near the front of the park, though we didn’t need to use it.
Cell service was strong, and while we didn’t try the campground Wi-Fi (if it was available), our Starlink worked great—thanks to our preference for open-sky sites with minimal tree cover.
Location, Location, Location
The best thing about OBX Campground might be its proximity to everything. Whether we needed groceries, gas, dining, or beach access, it was all within a few miles. Simply hop onto the main road and head in either direction. You’ll find big-name grocery stores, restaurants, breweries, shops, and more within a 4-mile radius.
The campground itself is at the end of a quiet, low-speed road, so you get peace and quiet even though you’re so close to the action.
Exploring the Outer Banks: Adventures All Week Long
We packed a lot into our week at OBX Campground, thanks to its central location:
- Sunday (Arrival Day): After a scenic ferry ride from Ocracoke (where we made a quick stop at the pony pen and Hatteras Lighthouse), we rolled into Kill Devil Hills and had dinner at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint—a great local spot with laid-back vibes.
- Midweek Excursions: Emily’s mom joined us for a few days, and we made the most of it. Highlights included Bodie Island Lighthouse, Rodanthe’s disappearing houses, a sunset ferry ride back from Ocracoke, and a thunderstorm that gave our trailer a serious light show.
- Local Eats: We had memorable meals at Miller’s, Harbor Grill & Pizza, Salt Box, and Collington Café (which we loved so much, we went twice). Don’t miss Holy Cow Creamery for a donut panini ice cream creation, or Pamlico Deli for lemon mascarpone cake and chicken salad.
- Adventures & Sightseeing: From climbing the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge, visiting the Wright Brothers Memorial, and touring the Currituck Lighthouse and historical area in Corolla, to strolling through Duck, this campground made it easy to go everywhere and see everything. Shaun also took advantage of the weather for a few solo motorcycle rides through the Outer Banks.
Campground Vibe & Final Thoughts
The overall vibe here was a mix of family-friendly and rustic. The campground is large, safe, and clean—great for families with kids, but without the hustle of a resort. It’s peaceful, scenic, and quiet, with no big events or loud parties. The staff were kind and helpful, especially when it came to handling our package deliveries. Though there seemed to be few people working, the campground was in impeccable shape.
At $63 per night, it’s reasonably priced for the area and the quality of the campground. Booking was simple through their online system, and all the rules were straightforward.
Would we stay here again? Definitely—especially if we’re passing through the area. While we might not plan a whole trip around OBX Campground, it’s the kind of place we’d gladly return to for a peaceful, well-connected Outer Banks basecamp.
